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$2000 turntable system

Been putting it off long enough, but decided it’s time to bite the bullet and take the vinyl plunge. (mixed metaphor alert)
Don’t want to take my usual multiple expensive false steps. The learning curve here looks pretty steep, so I figured to ask you all for some advice. Thinking to spend $2K - 2.5K. Likely to pair it with my PrimaLuna Dialogue HP Integrated and Revel F206s. Might possibly set it up with my Classe SSP-800/ Classe CA5200/ Martin Logan Montis.
What I came up with after a couple of hours of research were:

Rega PL3 turntable $945
Rega TT PSU power supply $395
Rega Exact 2 MM cartridge $595
Parasound Zphono phono stage $199

Total: $2134

Was considering Vincent PHO 8 phono stage $299 and Dynavector 10x5 MC cartridge $650 as alternatives.

Any suggestions?
Thanks,
Leo


leotis
oleschool's avatar
oleschool
722 posts
 
This is only my humble opinion,but I would certainly buy a used tt and have here .Then a new cart,again I would not hesitate to snag a used phono section in that range either.Here is my thoughts,on a site like the gon there are alot of guys here who are not hurting for a buck.People buy entry level gear and decide to upgrade very soon after ,phono section all the time .You will be hard pressed to get a definitive answer on what to buy here there are alot of tt camps .I would go used vpi traveler,nomad ,used phono section and really take the time to decide on your cart route .mm or mc ..I would personnally only buy a used tt here.Check the music room here too they have alot of tt among others including soundstage direct ..No affilliation...
good luck
fjn04
1,561 posts
 
I just heard the Wax Engine table, with a Soundsmith Aida. Very nice,
and I believe around $2700 total. I believe the cartridge was around $1700,
so more expensive than the table/arm. So with a $1000 or less cartridge, you would be within budget. Maybe a  Dynavector 20X, a lower end SS, or one of the Hana carts would be interesting.
williewonka
3,075 posts
 
Leo - if you are going with the PL3, some of the most effective (and required) upgrades you can make are...
- a metal SUB PLATTER and ceramic bearing - several to choose from
- Acrylic Platter - there are many to choose from - get the heaviest
- Michell Tecnoweight
- Denon DL103 of the 103R cartridge

This remedied most of the issues I experienced with my Rega and improved the speed of the dynamics and clarity

Once you get into upgrading Rega’s you can up the anti with...
- an Audiomods Original Series 3 tone-arm with a one piece harness + Absolute Harmony RCA’s - with or without Micrometer VTA
- a Soundsmith’d "Denon" DL103 cartridge
- A new plinth - http://www.inspirehifi.co.uk/quest.html

The SS'd DL103 is the cherry on what will then be a very nice "Cake" indeed

By the time you’ve done all of that you will need a better phono stage to bring out the extremely fine details the SS DL103 can deliver - I bought the Simaudio MOON LP 5.3 phono preamp which is superb.

Personally, I would not bother with the power supply until all of the other upgrades are implemented.- then ask yourself - do I really need one? I upgraded my motor and it provided the least benefit.

Here’s what my 35 year old PL 2 looks like now...
http://www.image99.net/blog/files/category-turntable-mod0027s.html

Alternatively - you could always buy a VPI and save yourself a lot of agro
http://www.soundstagedirect.com/vpi-player-turntable-audio-equipment.shtml

- It’s a rim drive, so the startup is very quick - no "Rega Nudge" required
- I believe the arm is better than the rega standard offering
- the plinth is definitely better
- you don’t have to remove the platter to change the damn speed - YESSSS!!! :-)

After 35 years living with a rega - this is the TT I would buy today

And this from someone who likes his Rega

Just another opinion :-)

Regards...



leotis OP
182 posts
 
Thanks Willie.
Trick looking rig.
Glad I asked for advice.
You guys are gonna save me from making my usual mistakes.

williewonka
3,075 posts
 
Leo - if you can spring for it - look at the VPI Scout

It's probably the last TT you'll buy and no tweaks are necessary and it's probably VPI's  "best bang for the buck" product 

There is a Scout Junior, but I do not know anything about them

That's about it
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